jake_3

I am trying to make this trip special, as we don't get away much. So far I have booked the Drake, have tickets to a Blackhawks game and Wicked. But there are so many restaurants to choose from that I am overwhelmed! I am looking for romantic, somewhat quiet restaurants with good food. Nothing too trendy.I was thinking of the original Morton's, but am stuck there. Thank you in advance for your help!

JJ5

You are so right, there are many.

But depending on the druthers, I have heard time and time again that the most romantic is Geja's in Lincoln Park, I believe. It is fondu, done in a very dark and romantic mode. I'm pretty sure you should make reservations regardless of the day of the week.

It's one of those things/places you either love it or you hate it. It's my daughter's absolutely favorite restaurant in the world. Don't let the fondu make you think it is miniscule food (check the website out.)

Tell us what you like? There's a steakhouse called The Saloon. Nothing sounds less romantic, but it is GOOD. Downtown proper, I believe. Totally a Chicago place that couples use for special occasions, Chicago couples I know, who are not tourists following the lastest trends go 30 miles for this one.

There are also many others for higher end, depending on how you feel about $100 to $300 each dinners. Some are worth it, if you like different combos etc.

NOBU is trendy, but I heard romantic.

There's many Italian - my favorite is Francesca group. Others like Rosebud, on Rush. I've heard good and bad about Coco Pazzo and Osteria de Statia (on State).

www.metromix.com might help you with evaluating choices.

Have a wonderful, wonderful anniversary. You will love Wicked and the Blackhawks. Great combo. If you are coming soon, bring your long coats. This weekend it will be near zero constantly. Our long term weather right now is extremely cold with a coating of snow. Today it is white and dazzling.

exiledprincess

jake_3, here are my suggestions...

North Pond (American), which is located in Lincoln Park on the north end of the lagoon, is one of the most romantic in town. Try and obtain a seat near the fireplace, if you can. Mention it's your anniversary - they inscribe special menus for important occasions.

Aria (international fusion comfort food) in the Fairmont (200 N. Columbus) has a great atmosphere. It's pricier than some, but IMHO an excellent value, especially at lunch. This would be a good choice when you go to Wicked as well (5 minute cab ride). They also have pre- and post-theatre options in the evenings.

Another good choice for when you go to Wicked is Trattoria No. 10 (Italian) - within walking distance. Or you could go to this one when you are going to the Blackhawks game.

If you wanted something more low-key, I'd check and see what's showing at the Music Box Theatre on N. Southport and then have dinner at Tango Sur (Argentinean steakhouse, 3 doors to the north). Tango Sur has live music on Thursdays, is BYOB (so you can get that special bottle of wine or champagne for yourselves and not pay through the nose for it - either in the general vicinity or elsewhere in town - corkage fee applies, though) and doesn't take reservations (but take your cell phone and leave your number with the host, then go next door to Cullen's - an Irish bar - they'll call you when your table is ready). This place does get long lines due to the great value, by the way.

Hope these suggestions help a bit.

exiledprincess

P.S. This isn't regarding a restaurant but I wanted to add this because I think it's important.

The Art Institute has free general admission from now until February 21. You still have to pay for the special exhibits, though. Please make a point to go there, as it's one of Chicago's "must dos/sees", IMHO.

Afterwards, the two of you could go ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Skating Rink at Millennium Park, just to the north. Wonderful to see the city's skyline all lit up at night surrounding you.

marilynl

I would suggest NOMI, in the Park Hyatt overlooking Water Tower Park (try to get a window table) for a romantic restaurant. Menu is contemporary, with Asian and French accents.

LLindaC

I had one of the best meals ever at Aria at the Fairmount Hotel. In fact, this article from the Cinci paper has some good romantic advice:
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.d...0401/1052/LIFE

We're going back in 3 months and I can't wait! I also have a restaurant review of Aria on www.tripadvisor.com and chowhound

jake_3

Thank you for these great ideas! I am sure we will have a wonderful time!!

JJ5

Just in case your have not planned before/ or after if it is a matinee- Trattoria #10 is within steps (10 N. Dearborn) and it is downstairs, away from the hustle, quiet, and mid-priced. I especially like it and their butternut squash raviolis. Lighter/Northern Italian and not one of the popular, well-known spots. It's very sedate, IMHO. Love that.

KathyK

Here's another recommendation for Trattoria #10 for when you see Wicked. Excellent food and well located for the theatre.

KristyW

I second NOMI and also Spiaggia if you want a truly fabulous meal with GREAT views and very romantic. Across the street from the Drake in 900 N. Michigan. We go the day after Valentines Day every year!

LLindaC

We took clients to Trattoria #10 in November. I was a bit disappointed in the food, actually. It is a nice atmosphere, though. We went there one time on a Friday for bar appetizers and Chinti...it was $10 per person and possibly the best bargain in Chicago! Great pre-theatre idea if you have a big lunch somewhere.

ChiDad

Geja's is a miss for us.

I'd put Le Colonial on the list of possibilities. Very nice lounge/bar upstairs.

Have a great time,

Kevin

patg

I don't know about Morton's - it always seems like an big-expense-account place, not a romantic one. How about Wildfire instead? Or Roy's, if you like seafood.

Kristi

I had sticker shock when I ate at Morton's, just so you know the price range, steaks range from about $35-45, our meal for two ran us $170. My husband was really disappointed in his meal, a shame when you are spending that kind of money.

Another suggestion for dining before Wicked is Atwood Cafe, I think it's a romantic spot as it's small, dimly lit and decorated with rich dark colors. The food is contemporary American and the desserts are awesome.

Geja's always comes up on the most romantic restaurant list but I didn't get it, we walked out of there smelling like we had been deep fryed. And I didn't care for the cheese fondue at all.

North Pond up in Lincoln Park is a good suggestion, lovely setting, quiet dining, good food.

I really liked the food at Tango Sur but just so you know it's not quiet. We could barely hear the other people in our party when we ate there.

KristyW

I recently ate a really interesting restaurant. Merlo on Maple. Not too far from your hotel. It is italian...in an old row house so their are "rooms" like in a house. It is very romantic with great service. We loved it. Great italian food. I second Atwood Cafe when you go to Wicked.

cameron1

For a heck of quier a dinner:

Schwa quiet and great food - book now - can be tough to get into on a weekend without booking 6-8week in advance, but if you can, don't give it another thought. Plus its BYOB - so you can bring your own bottle of wine.

Alinea (book well ahead)

Crofton on Wells